OBITUARY

John Michael Bates of Cedar Hill, MO departed this life, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, having reached the age of sixty-three years, five months and ten days. John was born in St. Louis, MO on November 16, 1962, son of Michel Terrance Bates and Carol Agnes nee Dengler.

John is survived by his son, John Michael Bates II of Dittmer, MO; by his daughter-in-law, Christine Cendana (Bichel) Bates; by his brother, Jeremiah Matthew and wife, Lauren Bates; by his sister-in-law, Wendy Alice nee Vollmer; by his aunt, Nancy Hoeppner nee Bates; by two grandchildren, John Michael Bates III, and Kaleb Matthew Bates; and by niece Jessica Lynn (Bates) Morgan and nephew Joseph Mitchel Bates II.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Michel Terrance and Carol Agnes (Dengler) Bates; and by his brother, Joseph Mitchel Bates.

John was an avid cook and enjoyed smoking meats. During his working career, he worked as a forklift operator at TVS Supply Chain Solutions Inc. for over a decade. Hobbies and interests included cooking, fishing, playing pool, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying his culinary creations. In his younger years he was part of the Washington County Cruisers also. John graduated from Northwest Highschool. What meant most to him was time spent with his family and making memories with his loved ones.

A loving father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who met him and knew him.